Bounty/Greatvine.com survey - we need more PND support!

I am delighted to have been asked by Greatvine.com to be one of their experts on postnatal depression. www.greatvine.com

The Greatvine.com/Bounty survey has been covered by the Daily Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5224466/Almost-half-of-parents-want-more-help-with-post-natal-depression.html

A survey has found that many new mothers and fathers feel there is too little help for families suffering from the "baby blues".

More than a third of all women also wanted more help breast-feeding, which studies have shown can aid a baby's development but which many women find difficult or painful.

Post-natal depression affects up to one in 10 of all new mothers, many of whom suffer in silence.

Symptoms can range from mild depression to thoughts of suicide and can include feelings of helplessness or being over-anxious about their babies.

Earlier this month a study found that mothers of twins were more likely to suffer the condition than those who had one child.

In the new survey, 45 per cent of parents said there should be more advice that they can trust about the condition and how it can be treated.

The poll also showed that 38 per cent wanted more help with how to breast-feed, 36 per cent with getting their child to sleep and 30 per cent with nutrition.

Of those asked, 19 per cent also said there could be more information and alternative ways to give birth.

The Royal College of Midwives warns that there are not enough members of the profession to deal with a birth rate that has grown by 16 per cent in recent years.

The college estimates that an extra 5,000 midwives are needed in England alone, just to bring services up to scratch.

Elaine Hanzak, who suffered from puerperal psychosis, the most severe form of post-natal depression, after the birth of her son, said: "This poll clearly illustrates that more needs to be done to address the problems and challenges that millions of mothers and fathers face."

Faye Mingo, from the Bounty Parenting Club, which conducted the poll, said: "Many parents feel unsupported and don't have their family and friends living nearby as was often the case years ago. Access to professional advice and support is invaluable."

The survey, commissioned by Greatvine.com, which offers advice to parents, polled 743 people.

More than 70,000 women are diagnosed with post-natal depression in Britain every year, although it is feared the true figure could be much higher.

Look out for more PR on this survey!

Elaine

www.hanzak.com